The Toxic Truth 

Local experts weigh in on toxic products and alternatives for a healthier home

By Jen Reed

They’re in our homes, they promise to make our lives easier - the products we use every day—cleaners, air fresheners, and even cookware—may seem harmless. Yet, beneath their polished marketing and reassuring labels lie hidden dangers, with long-term implications for both human and animal health. 

Recent insights from Wilmington-area experts Amanda Wilcox, founder of The Uncensored Nurse, Emily Donovan, co-founder of Clean Cape Fear, and Jayna Crittenden, founder of Squeak all-natural cleaning products, reveal the toxic truths about household items and provide a roadmap for safer living.

Hidden Dangers in Your Home

Amanda Wilcox, a nurse turned advocate for holistic living, began her journey when she realized the impact of toxic products on health. A pivotal moment came when she read a study showing that using national brand cleaners just once a week could damage lung capacity as much as smoking a pack of cigarettes daily. 

“I knew we had to pay more attention to what we were bringing into our home,” Wilcox shares.

According to the study, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine and investigating women who regularly used cleaning sprays or other products experienced a decline in lung function comparable to smoking 20 cigarettes a day for 10 to 20 years.  

Wilcox concurs, identifying phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde, ammonia, quaternary disinfectants, and chlorine as some of the most concerning ingredients in household products. These chemicals, common in cleaners, air fresheners, and personal care items, are linked to respiratory problems, hormone disruption, and skin irritation.

For Emily Donovan, her focus lies in the environmental and health risks posed by PFAS—“forever chemicals” found in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and even food packaging. 

“PFAS do not degrade naturally and are linked to serious health concerns,” Donovan explains. These include cancers, weakened immune responses, and fertility issues. Alarmingly, the Cape Fear region in North Carolina, where Donovan lives, has residents with blood PFAS levels two to three times higher than the national average due to decades of water contamination.

First Steps 

For those looking to reduce their exposure to harmful substances, Wilcox suggests starting with cleaning products. “It’s the easiest thing to swap out and will make the biggest difference in your health,” she advises. Air care products like candles and plug-ins should also be scrutinized, as many contain synthetic fragrances loaded with harmful chemicals.

Jayna Crittenden could not agree more. “We are breathing in so many chemicals in our homes that we can’t do anything about – chemicals in paints, flooring, insulation – we don’t need to add to that,” she says. Her company was born through her adoption of creating cleaning products using simple ingredients of water and essential oils, most notably lemon. She said she found her products cleaned just as well as commercial products but without the hidden dangers.

Donovan emphasizes the importance of knowing your water quality. “Research if your tap water contains PFAS,” she says. Installing water filters specifically designed to remove PFAS and avoiding fast-food packaging are practical steps families can take to minimize exposure.

What to Look For

Safer alternatives do exist, but navigating labels can be tricky. Wilcox and Crittenden caution against relying solely on “clean product” websites, which may lack transparency. Instead, avoid specific chemicals and supporting brands with clear ingredient policies. Donovan, meanwhile, highlights organizations like Green Science Policy Institute and Toxic Free Future, which provide consumer guides to avoid PFAS-containing products.

Homemade products, such as vinegar-based cleaners or baking soda scrubs, are also an option. While they may not last as long as commercial products, their simplicity and lack of harmful chemicals can offer peace of mind. However, both Wilcox and Crittenden acknowledge the challenge of making the switch, noting it felt daunting at first, but the benefits to health have been undeniable.

All three experts agree that taking small, informed steps is key. Start by evaluating the products you use most frequently and replacing them with safer options. Seek out credible resources and connect with communities that share your goals. “Having someone to take you on this journey is super helpful,” Wilcox says. “You’re going to feel alone, but you’re not.”

For those in areas like Cape Fear with known environmental risks, advocacy is critical. “We need laws that will end all PFAS exposures and make polluters pay for cleanup,” Donovan emphasizes. Joining local activism groups can amplify efforts to hold industries accountable.

The journey to a healthier, toxin-free home may seem overwhelming, but every step makes a difference. As Wilcox, Crittenden, and Donovan have shown, knowledge is power—and so is community. By making informed choices and pushing for systemic change, we can protect not only ourselves but also the environment and future generations.

In the end, it’s not just about the products we use, but the legacy we leave behind. As Donovan puts it, “If you truly love something, you fight for it. We are worth the fight.”